33 CES Branches in Texas Donate Toys to Children
When the first City Electric Supply (CES) toy drive in Texas was a success, branch teams were already planning how to make the next one even bigger and better. This winter, 33 branches across Austin, Houston, and San Antonio banded together to raise the spirits of even more children during its second annual toy drive.
With the help of the three Texas communities, these CES branches donated over 1,100 toys in time for Christmas — 300 more than last year!
“We are more than just a business — we are part of something larger than ourselves,” said CES Regional Manager Nate Jefferson. “Any chance CES has to get involved with additional causes is really important to us. The communities that CES gets to work in mean so much to our branch teams.”
Learn about the life-changing charities supported and some of the caring CES team members who helped bring joy to children for the holidays.
CES Houston Toy Drive Benefits DePelchin Children’s Center
In Houston, Texas, the fourth largest city in the U.S., branches donated to DePelchin Children’s Center. CES District Managers Darron Rocka of Houston North and Daren Thode of Houston South lead 17 locations to help give back.
For the past 130 years, what has driven DePelchin is the belief that all children should be part of safe, loving homes. The nonprofit’s mission is to strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being.
“We support children and the families who care for them through our foster care services, parenting and counseling programs, and more,” shared DePelchin Director of Community Engagement Adam Supgul. “We rely on donors, volunteers, and partners like CES to ensure we can provide gifts and essentials to fulfill wish lists of more than 1,400 children through its annual project.”
CES Austin Toy Drive Benefits Operation Blue Santa
Branches in the Texas capital of Austin donated to Operation Blue Santa. CES District Managers Mehs Ess of Austin and John Moreno of Austin East lead eight locations to help deliver gifts to those in need.
In 1972, Austin Police Operation Blue Santa served 20 families. In its hallmark 50th year, the nonprofit has grown to serve over 250 times as many families.
“We are planning to serve over 5,000 families and over 15,000 children from infants through 14 years,” said Operation Blue Santa President Margarine Beaman. “We are so excited to be working with the CES branches and their customers. We count on the help of our community to make sure these children feel special.”
CES San Antonio Toy Drive Benefits Child Advocates San Antonio
Eight San Antonio branch teams, led by CES District Manager Tyler Cannon, supported Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA). This nonprofit serves the most vulnerable population in the community, children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are currently in foster care.
“We ensure that these children have someone who looks out for them during their time in foster care by training community volunteers who advocate for their needs,” said Blair Ortmann, Vice President of Mission Advancement at CASA. “Our goal is to make sure that the more than 1,400 children we serve will have a toy waiting for them, and CES has stepped up.”
CES Branches Get the Word Out, and Customers Answer the Call
To call attention to the toy drive, CES employees promoted the toy drive across different platforms. CES branches also decorated the drop-off bins in their stores to make them stand out. CES employees gathered presents from basketballs to bicycles this toy drive season, thanks to customers who went above and beyond for children in need.
“The response our branches received was incredible. The toy drive achieved great results because our branch teams did their part to promote the event,” said Jefferson. “CES is also fortunate to have such dedicated customers willing to make this toy drive a success. To each of them, I say thank you for their hard work and dedication.”
